Project: Flatwoods OHV Trailhead Fence Rebuild
Location: North Carolina
Description: On December 4, 2025, a dedicated team of seven Yokohama Tire volunteers, three U.S. Forest Service (USFS) staff members, and Tread Lightly! returned to the Flatwoods OHV Trailhead parking area in Uwharrie National Forest for a second round of restoration work. This project built upon earlier stewardship efforts: in 2024, Yokohama Tire partnered with Tread Lightly! to install 10 new kiosk signs throughout the forest, with the Flatwoods OHV parking area serving as one of the highlighted improvement sites.
This year’s project focused on repairing a 50-foot section of perimeter fencing critical for keeping vehicles within the designated parking area and off sensitive vegetation and barrier mounds. These barriers play a vital role in preventing erosion, protecting habitat, and ensuring that riders stay on legal routes. Over time, the ground posts in this particular section had rotted and collapsed, leaving the area exposed. As a result, riders created an unauthorized hill climb obstacle, which accelerated erosion and encouraged off-trail travel, both serious concerns for resource health and motorized recreation management.
The volunteer team worked efficiently to restore the damaged fencing. They augered new post holes, cut replacement posts and cross rails, and fully rebuilt the degraded 50-foot section. What would have been a two-day USFS project was completed in just one morning thanks to the combined effort and coordination of all partners. After wrapping up, volunteers were able to enjoy lunch together followed by some recreational trail time.
This project demonstrates the value of collaboration between land managers, industry partners, and stewardship organizations. Together, these efforts help protect access, maintain sustainable recreation areas, and support the long-term health of Uwharrie National Forest.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
“We are proud to support the important work that Tread Lightly! does and love that our employees are eager to lend a helping hand. Projects like this one at the Uwharrie National Forest are vital to help keep trails and parks open to all while working to support safe and responsibly off-road recreation.” – Melissa Aguirre, Manager, Brand Marketing, Yokohama Tire Co.
“A huge thank you to Tread Lightly! and Yokohama for your recent volunteer efforts to rebuild the railing at the Flatwoods off-highway vehicle trailhead in the Uwharrie National Forest. Your work plays an important role in protecting the area from resource damage, improving visitor safety, and supporting sustainable recreation. The partnership and support provided by Tread Lightly! and Yokohama help ensure that our OHV trailheads remain well-maintained and resilient. Your teams’ time, effort, and expertise are greatly appreciated by the staff who manage this forest and by the many visitors who rely on these facilities. Thank you again for your commitment to responsible land use and for contributing to the long-term stewardship of Uwharrie National Forest.” – Bradley Seat, Recreation Technician, Uwharrie National Forest
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events, and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
Continue reading...
Location: North Carolina
Description: On December 4, 2025, a dedicated team of seven Yokohama Tire volunteers, three U.S. Forest Service (USFS) staff members, and Tread Lightly! returned to the Flatwoods OHV Trailhead parking area in Uwharrie National Forest for a second round of restoration work. This project built upon earlier stewardship efforts: in 2024, Yokohama Tire partnered with Tread Lightly! to install 10 new kiosk signs throughout the forest, with the Flatwoods OHV parking area serving as one of the highlighted improvement sites.
This year’s project focused on repairing a 50-foot section of perimeter fencing critical for keeping vehicles within the designated parking area and off sensitive vegetation and barrier mounds. These barriers play a vital role in preventing erosion, protecting habitat, and ensuring that riders stay on legal routes. Over time, the ground posts in this particular section had rotted and collapsed, leaving the area exposed. As a result, riders created an unauthorized hill climb obstacle, which accelerated erosion and encouraged off-trail travel, both serious concerns for resource health and motorized recreation management.
The volunteer team worked efficiently to restore the damaged fencing. They augered new post holes, cut replacement posts and cross rails, and fully rebuilt the degraded 50-foot section. What would have been a two-day USFS project was completed in just one morning thanks to the combined effort and coordination of all partners. After wrapping up, volunteers were able to enjoy lunch together followed by some recreational trail time.
This project demonstrates the value of collaboration between land managers, industry partners, and stewardship organizations. Together, these efforts help protect access, maintain sustainable recreation areas, and support the long-term health of Uwharrie National Forest.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
- Yokohama Tire Company
- U.S. Forest Service – Uwharrie National Forest
“We are proud to support the important work that Tread Lightly! does and love that our employees are eager to lend a helping hand. Projects like this one at the Uwharrie National Forest are vital to help keep trails and parks open to all while working to support safe and responsibly off-road recreation.” – Melissa Aguirre, Manager, Brand Marketing, Yokohama Tire Co.
“A huge thank you to Tread Lightly! and Yokohama for your recent volunteer efforts to rebuild the railing at the Flatwoods off-highway vehicle trailhead in the Uwharrie National Forest. Your work plays an important role in protecting the area from resource damage, improving visitor safety, and supporting sustainable recreation. The partnership and support provided by Tread Lightly! and Yokohama help ensure that our OHV trailheads remain well-maintained and resilient. Your teams’ time, effort, and expertise are greatly appreciated by the staff who manage this forest and by the many visitors who rely on these facilities. Thank you again for your commitment to responsible land use and for contributing to the long-term stewardship of Uwharrie National Forest.” – Bradley Seat, Recreation Technician, Uwharrie National Forest
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events, and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
Continue reading...